soundcard v. software

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bob793

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I have a codec avance ac97 "soundcard", windows xp pro, celeron 4, 1.7GHz, DDR 256mb, 40gb. I want to do some multitrack recording -8 channels should be enough. I also want to transfer music from md to cd. Which software is recommended for this set up? Should I buy a "proper soundcard"? Is it true that pro-tools won't run without buying a compatible soundcard?
 
I prefer not to spend money (got sonar from a friend)
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A very bad Idea! This is why Software cost so much. Most guys here get pissed off when they hear this.
Sonar is a great program but you have to learn how to use it.
Get a real soundcard like an Audiophile, Etc. Keep your other Soundcard for Midi stuff. Your standard Windows soundcards are really not meant for high quality recordings.

http://www.hitsquad.com/smm/
:cool:
 
Sorry, last thing I want to do is piss you guys off after you've been so helpful. I live in China where 90% or more of the software, CD's, DVD,s etc are copies. If you are involved in making the originals then I can understand why you'd be pissed off, but as a consumer it seems crazy to pay the full price when copies (that usually work ok) are much more readily available than the originals. Anything claiming to be an original is viewed with suspicion because it's probably just a better packaged copy. I could download from the makers site but it IS expensive.

So you recommend I keep struggling with Sonar and buy an Audiophile soundcard. Ok, thanks. Any more comments anyone?
 
I have been following a thread you posted earlier. You stated that Sonar only worked on your "mic in" input. Well, Sonar will work on both. What type of soundcard do you have exactly? Is it a Soundblaster or is it on the motherboard?
I want to do some multitrack recording -8 channels should be enough.
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I assume you mean you want to record up to 8 tracks at one time. If that's the case you will need different soundcard. Unless you are mean you want to record 8 different tracks then the most you can do with your current soundcard is 2 at a time. Not to harp on how you got your software, but buying it does give you the opportunity to use the manual! If not, Sonar's (or usually any other software's) help file should still get you to where you trying to go. Try this link if you still need a little more help...


Vice
 
Oh yeah, Sonar won't let you transfer music from MD to CD directly.
Which software is recommended for this set up?
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I'm sure the software that came with the MD should be able to facilitate that. I don't know, though.
Should I buy a "proper soundcard"?
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To make "proper recordings", yes. As I stated earlier to get 8 tracks in at once a soundcard like the STAudio C-Port, or Delta 1010 would work. There are others out there...
Is it true that pro-tools won't run without buying a compatible soundcard?
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My guess if software company says it requires certain hardware to run, stick with it. I have never used Pro Tools.


Vice
 
bob793 said:
Sorry, last thing I want to do is piss you guys off after you've been so helpful. I live in China where 90% or more of the software, CD's, DVD,s etc are copies. If you are involved in making the originals then I can understand why you'd be pissed off, but as a consumer it seems crazy to pay the full price when copies (that usually work ok) are much more readily available than the originals.
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If that is a true statistic that is really sad. I was taught that historically the chinese culture prided itself in honor, integrity, and a high ethical standard. What happened?
 
If that is a true statistic that is really sad. I was taught that historically the chinese culture prided itself in honor, integrity, and a high ethical standard. What happened?
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In Hong Kong?:)
 
Oh my! Shouldn't have mentioned the software situation here. I'm in Shanghai, by the way, but pirated goods are all over Asia. 90% is just a guess. I could start another thread on that topic but for now I'd prefer to keep asking questions that will help me learn about working with music on computer.

To clarify: The thing that does the playback and record on my computer is built into the motherboard and is called codec avance ac97. I don't know if the "in" and "out" on the back are part of it or just the ones on the front. Sonar only seems to recognise the "mic in" on the front but I could be mistaken.
2 channels simultaneously are enough for me now and 8 in total. I have no intentions of stealing a soundcard. Hardware costs the same or a little more here compared to the prices quoted in usa or europe. The new Audiophile looks like a good card but too expensive for me at the moment.

I got OpenMG Jukebox with my netMD but it only allows music recorded on the same computer to be reloaded. This means, for example, I can record myself singing a song with the MD's microphone but I have to use another programme to get it onto my computer. (So far I've only been able to do that with Soundforge xp 4.5) I haven't tried transfering it to OpenMG from there yet. If that works I can transfer back and forward easily and quickly thereafter. Just getting it on that takes time.

For MD recordings I only expect that it won't be a big drop in sound quality from the MD to CD. For doing recording of mostly acoustic instruments and vocals with percussion samples directly on the computer I'm looking for the best results I can get without spending a lot more than I have already.

Once again I thank everyone for taking the time to help me with your comments and advise. It's all very interesting to me.
 
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